RFU deny Woodward talks

25 March 2006 18:22pm

Rugby Football Union officials insist Sir Clive Woodward has not been approached to make a return to the sport.

England's disappointing RBS 6 Nations Championship led to some speculation Woodward could return to take over from coach Andy Robinson, but RFU chief executive Francis Baron revealed there have been no discussions.

Woodward guided England to World Cup glory in 2003, but he has since pursued an alternative career and is currently director of football at Championship side Southampton.

Baron said: "As announced, we are in the middle of an all-embracing review of England's RBS 6 Nations performance and no decisions will be made until the completion of that review.

"It is also important to stress that Sir Clive is in a senior position under contract to another organisation and we would not dream of approaching him without talking to that organisation first.

"I shall be writing to the chairman of Southampton on Monday to make it clear that, contrary to media speculation, we have not made any approach to his employee."

England have struggled since their World Cup success in Australia, finishing fourth in this year's RBS 6 Nations and ending their campaign with a hat-trick of defeats.

Martyn Thomas, chairman of the RFU management board, added: "The current detailed review on England's RBS 6 Nations will lead to the RFU management board making final decisions on April 26, with the RFU council meeting receiving the full report on April 28."